With over one million people in the United States affected by Type 1 diabetes, researchers are eager to find the cause of disease, and Type 1 diabetes has been something on their radar for quite some time now. Although there is speculation around what may truly cause Type 1 diabetes, more research needs to be done to confirm recent findings.

However, a recent study has looked at gut bacteria and examined the potential link between the bacteria in our gut and Type 1 diabetes.

Gut Bacteria & Inflammation Linked to Type 1 Diabetes

A study published in the Journal of Clinical Endocrinology & Metabolism found that those who had Type 1 diabetes suffered from more inflammation than those who did not have diabetes as well as those with celiac disease.

The study also found that the gut flora was much different in those with Type 1 diabetes. The researchers discovered that there was a decrease in Proteobacteria and a higher amount of Firmicutes, two groups of bacteria.

What Researchers Are Saying

So, what does all of this mean? Researchers are now theorizing that the gut may be responsible for the development of Type 1 diabetes, and they believe its imperative that we learn about how the disease impacts the gut as well as the microbiome.

Following this study, scientists are striving to figure out the causal relationship between the gut flora and Type 1 diabetes, given that it exists. Does the change in the microbiome induce Type 1 diabetes or does Type 1 diabetes modifies the gut flora? 

By understanding more about the connection between the gut and Type 1 diabetes, the movement towards finding a cure and a cause for this disease is within reach.

For now, researchers are taking this information as being one step closer to understanding this condition.

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